Detail: 21-06-2015 - Shackleford part 2
Result: Loss by 6 wkts
Shackleford - part 2 - Blues come unstuck
In many ways the Shackleford v Blues ODI series has mirrored the Eng V NZ one...in others it has been somewhat difference.
Key similarities - Runs galore, wickets, spectacular fielding, friendly atmosphere between teams
Key differences -
Neither the England nor Kiwi players......
- Arrived to the ground half dressed, having been to Royal Ascot the night before and then woken up in Hammersmith before being picked up by a teammate
- Neither McCullum nor Morgan received a limited edition 800th anniversary coin of the signing of the Magna Carta - many thanks Cormac.
- Are currently adopting the atkins/cigarette diet ahead of their wedding day. Mitch was impressively disciplined at tea, - (unlike his bowling)
- Needed to recruit extra players at a Ghost tour of London. Despite Cormac's best efforts, in addition to Metson and Corcoran's slightly over keen emails, Devidas was unable to play ( I am slightly concerned that he may in fact be a ghost??!)
Skipper Metson duly won the toss and elected to bat on what appeared to be an excellent day for batting but for more practical reasons, he recognised that fielding with five players might prove difficult. The Blues opened with the experienced partnership of Zubs and Cormac. Despite a dogged start, wickets began to fall although Seabass (king of the Sea, but not a Salmon according to Clarkie - some gag about his lack of athleticism in the field which I completely disagree with) reached a classy 27. The ever modest Tinky, running out of time to score his maiden Blues century once again flattered to deceive despite some delightful back foot cuts. He bravely wore one on the cheek bone from a 14 year old chucker and then ran out Zubair. This came as a massive shock as Zubair is of course renowned as one of the best runners between the wicket and known for his decisive calling. He had played responsibly before being cruelly run out but helpfully reminded Tink that 'there wasn't a run on'. The lower middle order rallied with Nick Clark (who has re-modelled himself as a batsman) leading the way. Blues were all out for 166
After a delightful tea, (which included jam doughnuts) team Blues took to the field and opened with the imposing frames of Michael Corcoran (7lbs lighter than a month ago) and Gaz (Good engine) Cullinan. With the usual commentary and variation - beamer, long hop, full toss combination, Corcoran finished his opening and only spell with respectable figure of 2-32. Gaz who bowled with great discipline ended with a thankless 0-43. Captain Metson a lion behind the stumps fluffed his lines on a number of occasions but was particularly brave when he got hit on the ankle - nearly fractured. Thankfully though on debut, Shoots, was as safe as houses and took two excellent catches. (incidentally there are two houses available overlooking the pitch worth a combined ?4 million I'm told) Tink was the pick of the bowlers with his 1-15 but unfortunately a drying pitch aided Shackleford' batting in their run chase. The Blues tried everything and despite calling on the spin triplets of 'Seabass, Zubair and Git*'' were unable to defend a mediocre total and so the series ended in a draw.
*Heavy metal band
[updated 23 11 2015]